Challenges Faced by Cory Booker: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Cory Booker's life and career.

Cory Booker is an American politician and the senior United States senator from New Jersey, serving since 2013. As a member of the Democratic Party, he is the first African-American U.S. senator from New Jersey. Before his Senate career, Booker was the 38th mayor of Newark, New Jersey, from 2006 to 2013. Prior to that, he served on the Newark Municipal Council representing the Central Ward from 1998 to 2002. Booker's career has been marked by his involvement in municipal and national politics.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1998: Won Newark Municipal Council Seat

In 1998, Cory Booker won an upset victory for a seat on the Municipal Council of Newark, defeating four-term incumbent George Branch. He went on a 10-day hunger strike to draw attention to open-air drug dealing and violence.

January 9, 2002: Announced Mayoral Campaign

On January 9, 2002, Cory Booker announced his campaign for mayor of Newark, challenging incumbent Sharpe James. The campaign was marked by mudslinging and accusations.

2002: Lost Mayoral Election

In 2002, Cory Booker ran for mayor of Newark but lost to incumbent Sharpe James.

June 2006: Assassination Plot Foiled

In late June 2006, before Cory Booker took office as mayor, New Jersey investigators foiled a plot to assassinate him, led by Bloods gang leaders inside New Jersey state prisons.

December 2010: Furloughs and Pay Cuts Implemented

From July through December 2010, Cory Booker's administration in Newark imposed one-day-a-month furloughs for all non-uniformed employees, as well as 2% pay cuts for managers and directors earning more than $100,000 a year.

2011: Newark Received Emergency State Aid

In 2011, Newark received $32 million in emergency state aid, requiring a memorandum of understanding between Newark and the state that obligated the city to request and the state to approve appointments to City Hall administrative positions.

November 20, 2012: Melee at Newark City Council Meeting

On November 20, 2012, a melee occurred at a Newark City Council meeting attended by Cory Booker. The council was voting on a successor to Donald M. Payne, Jr.'s seat. Booker cast the deciding vote for Shanique Speight, leading to supporters of John Sharpe James storming the stage and riot police using pepper spray. Ras Baraka blamed Booker for inciting the disturbance.

December 2012: Booker Takes SNAP Challenge

In December 2012, Cory Booker began a weeklong challenge attempting to live on a food budget of $30 per week, the amount New Jersey paid SNAP recipients, after discussing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) with a constituent. He aimed to spark a discussion about Americans relying solely on food stamps.

2012: Unsuccessful Candidate for World Mayor Award

In 2012, Cory Booker was an unsuccessful candidate for the World Mayor award.

2012: Newark Received Emergency State Aid

In 2012, Newark received $32 million in emergency state aid, requiring a memorandum of understanding between Newark and the state that obligated the city to request and the state to approve appointments to City Hall administrative positions.

September 5, 2018: Booker Questions Kavanaugh on Confidential Emails

On September 5, 2018, during Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearings, Cory Booker questioned Kavanaugh on emails marked "committee confidential" and released them publicly the next day. The emails showed discussions of racial profiling, and Booker defended his decision despite potential consequences.